How to improve your eyesight naturally

Modern lifestyles require many of us to spend long periods of time focusing on objects right in front of us, such as computer screens, books, and televisions. Over time, this can cause vision to become weaker.

If your eyesight isn’t as clear as it used to be, it may simply need a little help. There are many ways you can help to improve your eyesight naturally by making simple changes to your diet, adding nutritional supplements into your daily regime, and by protecting your eyes from sun damage. There are also daily vision-strengthening exercises that can help to maintain the muscles around the eyes.

Vision problems

It is natural for vision to deteriorate with age. This usually begins to occur around the age of 40 and is believed to be due to a gradual loss of flexibility in the lens of the eyes, and in the muscles and fibres that surround them. If you spend long periods of time focusing on objects close to you then your eyes may lose the ability to focus on distant objects. You may find yourself holdings books and magazines at arms length to focus properly.

If you suffer from more serious eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts, you may experience significant loss of vision which can make even routine activities tricky. When severe, these eye conditions can make a home environment potentially dangerous. It is important to consider changes to lighting and to clear walkways in order to make the home as safe as possible.

Macular degeneration

Aged-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common type of vision disorder in the UK. This causes a gradual loss of central vision, which causes objects in front of you to become blurred. Known risk factors for AMD include the ageing process, smoking, and genetics. AMD is often accelerated by the damaged caused by free-radical particles in the body.

There are two different types of AMD. The most common form is Dry AMD. This causes vision to reduce gradually over a period of years. The second type is Wet AMD, which is more severe and can cause deterioration of vision over a period of days. There is no cure for AMD, but there are exercises and nutrients that can help to prevent further damage and care for the remaining vision.

Tips to improve eyesight

• Try simple eye exercises – your eyes contain muscles that require regular exercise to stay in peak condition. Every 30 minutes focus on an object in the distance for 10 to 30 seconds. This will help to strengthen the eyes ability to focus on distant objects.

• Move the computer screen away – focussing on a computer screen for long periods of time without a break can cause eye strain, blurry vision, and eye muscle weakness. Make sure the computer screen is at least 20 inches away from you and just below eye level. Take short breaks every 30 minutes.
• Reduce sugar intake – a diet high in sugar causes high insulin levels in the blood. This can lead to an inflammatory response in the body, which damages cells over time.
• Diet – eat a diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables. These include tomatoes, carrots and leafy greens. Eggs contain small amounts of Lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help to improve the health of the eye. Try to eat fish twice a week as omega 3 fatty acids can help to reduce dry eyes.
• Drink plenty of water – if your eyes feel tired and strained, it may be that they are dehydrated. Try to drink at least 6 glasses of water each day.
• Don’t smoke – the chemicals in cigarettes cause blood vessels to constrict which reduces blood flow to the eyes. This means that the eyes do not receive adequate levels of nutrients.
• Protect your eyes – sunlight can damage the retina and lens of the eye. Always wear protective glasses when out in the sun.
• Use a magnifier – if you suffer from severe eye conditions, such as glaucoma, you may find it easier to use a magnifier when completing common tasks. You could also try reading large-print books or e-readers.

Natural supplements to support eye health

Lutein – Lutein is a cartenoid found naturally in the eye. In supplement form it is often taken to support eye health. 

Bilberry – this antioxidant extract helps to improve blood circulation and may help to protect the eye from free-radical damage.